Domestic CCTV privacy advice

Home CCTV is a good deterrent, but if your cameras capture images beyond your own property boundary (for example the street, a shared path or a neighbour's garden), data protection law applies to you as the user of the system. We design camera positions to keep coverage to your own property wherever possible.

Good practice

• Point cameras at your own property. Use privacy masking to block out neighbours' windows and gardens and public areas where you can.
• Think before recording audio — it is very intrusive and usually unnecessary.
• Put up a sign telling people CCTV is in use.
• Keep recordings only as long as needed (most systems overwrite automatically, typically within 30 days).
• Keep the app and recorder secure: strong unique passwords, two-factor login and updates turned on.
• If someone asks for footage of themselves, or asks you to delete it, you may need to respond within one month.
• Only share footage with the police or your insurer, not on social media.
• Talk to your neighbours — it avoids most disputes.

Official guidance

Read the ICO's guidance for people using domestic CCTV: ico.org.uk — Domestic CCTV systems, and the government's guidance on the use of domestic CCTV.

We are happy to adjust camera angles or set up privacy masking at handover — just ask.